Archives for Bi-Weekly Column
HOW THE BRAIN “SEES”
If you think about it, the eyes may be tasked with collecting imagery from the world around us, but it is the brain’s job to make sense of the information collected by the eyes and enable us to see. To take things one step further, researchers wanted to know whether there is an area of the brain that is actually responsible for reading. Using functional MRI (fMRI) brain scans, they found that people reading Braille activate the exact same part of the brain as sighted people use. This finding upends the conventional theory that the brain is divided into specialized regions that process the information they receive via one sense or another.
P.S. According to the research mentioned above, the brain is not so much a “sensory” machine as it is a “task” machine that can perform a function regardless of where the sensory input comes from.
SHIFTING INTO SECOND
The temporary change in vision known as “second sight” is one of the earliest signs of cataract development. At this early stage, when clouding of the eye’s lens is minimal, the consistency of the lens can change to the point where reading glasses are no longer necessary. These changes result in an alteration in the way that the lens focuses light rays so that eyes may gradually become more nearsighted. This tendency toward nearsightedness during the development of a cataract is called “myopic shift.” Those who notice a newly improved ability to see near objects clearly over a one- or two-year period should have their eyes checked for cataracts. Second sight may be an indication that the cataract has advanced.
P.S. “Second sight” is a consequence of the eye lens becoming more dense.
A RETROSPECTIVE
Can classic eyeglasses be called “retro” if they never went out of style? While that point may be debatable, there is no questioning the fact that classic-style square, rectangular, and perfectly round eyeglasses are the “in” look when it comes to men’s eyeglass frames. For a slightly more sophisticated look, square and rectangular glasses in delicate, thin frames lend themselves to class acts. Any frame color is acceptable, but black, brown, and tortoiseshell remain the most popular. Women are more likely to experiment with red, yellow, and white frames in similar square and rectangular shapes. Scaled-down rectangular frames in black and brown continue to represent the “professional” face of women in the workplace.
P.S. Large sunglasses that reach down to cover part of the cheek are currently very popular among women.
LATINOS AT RISK FOR VISION LOSS
The Los Angeles Latino Eye Study (LALES), the most comprehensive study of Latinos and visual impairment ever conducted in the United States, provides valuable insight for the nation’s largest minority group. The study points to the unfortunate fact that Latinos have higher rates of vision loss and blindness than any other ethnic or racial group in the country. Latinos are more likely to develop diabetic retinopathy and cataracts than non-Hispanic whites, and the prevalence of open-angle glaucoma is also very high. Yet, an alarming number of those studied were not even aware that they had an eye disease. To address the problem of under-diagnosis and non-treatment, this segment of the American population is encouraged to schedule regular dilated eye exams.
P.S. According to the LALES, nearly 25 percent of Latinos have diabetes, and half of the study participants with diabetes had diabetic retinopathy, a treatable condition with the potential to cause blindness.
THIN IS IN!
“High index” is a term used to refer to any of a number of plastic lens materials that can do the same job as the more common CR-39 plastic material used for the majority of clear prescription lenses, only they are lighter and thinner. High-index lenses owe their lower profile to the fact that they have a higher refractive index that enables them to bend light more efficiently than materials with a lower refractive index. Because the index of refraction determines lens thickness, high-index lenses are thinner and weigh less than materials with a lower index of refraction. As a result, eyeglass wearers with higher prescriptions (in particular) stand to benefit most from high-index lenses’ greater comfort.
P.S. High-index lenses with a refractive index of 1.67 are about 50% thinner than their CR-39 counterparts.
WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW CAN HURT YOU
A recent study has suggested that nearly 30% of diabetic Americans over age 40 may suffer from diabetic retinopathy, which involves damage in the blood vessels of the retina. In 4% of individuals with diabetic retinopathy, the disease has progressed to the point where vision is threatened. The good news is that, if the condition is diagnosed in its early stages, proper control of blood sugar can slow progression of the disease, and laser treatment can prevent severe vision loss. Thus, it is crucial that diabetics get comprehensive eye exams annually to spot asymptomatic problems and treat the disease before it leads to blindness. Unfortunately, according to some estimates, only about half of diabetics follow this advice.
Diabetes weakens small blood vessels in various areas of the body, including the retina. The development of diabetic retinopathy cannot be prevented. However, routine comprehensive eye examinations are the best protection against the progression of this disease. Please call SKOWRON EYE CARE to schedule an eye exam that includes a review of your general medical history, microscopic examination of the eyes, and dilation of the pupil for examination of the retina, blood vessels, and optic nerve. At Skowron Eye Care, our mission is your vision.
P.S. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of new cases of legal blindness among Americans between 20 and 74 years old.
SAVE YOUR SKIN… AND EYES
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can harm your eyes in the same way that they injure your skin. This insidious damage can result in sunburned corneas, cancer of the eyelid, and increased risk of eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration. However, people may be lulled into a false sense of security because these diseases do not develop until long after sun-related damage occurs. In fact, they may not even be aware they have suffered any damage. Eye damage related to ultraviolet (UV) rays may not be evident until a person is much older. As apreventive measure, therefore, it is suggested that everyone wear sunglasses that block UV light. Look for those labeled “100 percent UV protection.”
With the summer season around the corner, you’ll probably be spending more time outdoors. Your eyes, like your skin, need protection from harmful UV rays that can cause vision problems that are not immediately obvious. Please visit SKOWRON EYE CARE to browse through our display of sunglasses with UV-ray protection. We offer both prescription and non-prescription sunglasses. Our eye health examinations include screening for cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. At Skowron Eye Care, our mission is your vision.
P.S. Glasses with photochromic lenses automatically darken as the ambient light becomes brighter.
PINK EYE BLUES
Just one look in the mirror is usually all it takes to make people afflicted with "pink eye" to go running for their sunglasses. There is nothing pretty about this inflammation of the translucent mucous membrane (conjunctiva) that lines the underside of the eyelids and covers the white of the eye. "Conjunctivitis" (the medical term for this inflammation) may be the result of a bacterial infection that causes the eyes to look bloodshot and discharge thick mucus that can make the eyelids stick together (a symptom that can be helped with warm compresses). Once bacterial conjunctivitis has been properly diagnosed, it may be treated with an antibiotic ointment. Viral conjunctivitis, on the other hand, usually disappears on its own.
Pinkeye, also called conjunctivitis, is an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin transparent membrane that covers the sclera -- the white of the eye. When the blood vessels become inflamed, they give the eye its pink appearance. If you experience watery discharge from either eye or experience other eye discomfort, do not touch your eyes with your fingers and avoid wearing contacts. Please call SKOWRON EYE CARE to schedule an eye exam. We treat conjunctivitis, red eyes, and eye injuries. At Skowron Eye Care, Our mission is your vision.
P.S. Another type of conjunctivitis, "allergic conjunctivitis," may disappear on its own when the allergen that caused it is removed.
SAFETY GLASSES
If you are a do-it-yourselfer who thinks that your regular glasses will protect your eyes from sharp objects and flying debris, you should know that they may do more harm than good. While the plastic lenses used in regular glasses tend to break into sharp pieces, untempered glass lenses usually break like a car windshield. Some regular glasses may have impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses, but that does not necessarily mean they are suitable for construction and hobby work. On the other hand, safety glasses approved by the American National Standards Institute combine impact-resistant lenses and frames that are designed to keep lenses firmly in place during impact. Be sure to get the right glasses for the job.
P.S. Polycarbonate lenses in safety glasses should come with scratch-resistant coatings.
HOW DO LIGHT AND DARK EYES DIFFER?
Besides the obvious, dark- and light-colored eyes may differ in ways that increase susceptibility to certain eye diseases and conditions. For instance, because light-colored eyes have less pigmentation in the retina (as well as in the iris), they may be at increased risk for retinaldisease such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This is because retinal pigment helps protect against damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) light. Less retinal pigmentation affords less protection. A recent German study also suggests that people with light-colored eyes may be at increased risk for melanoma of the eye ("uveal melanoma"), particularly if they experience increased sun exposure. This information suggests that people with light-colored eyes have even more reason to wear sunglasses.
P.S. Dark irises have been associated with higher intraocular (inner-eyeball) pressure, which is associated with an increased risk for glaucoma.
FASHION FRAMES FOR WOMEN
One of the strongest current trends in eyeglass frames for women involves matching frame and lens colors to produce a striking look. Both blacked-out lenses and mirrored lenses add more than a touch of glamour. As for the frames themselves, oversized and angular frames in blues, blacks, and reds make the biggest fashion statements, and jeweled accents and temple cutouts add alluring details. A playful look can be achieved with oversized and exaggerated frames in modern butterfly, cat-eye, shield, and goggle styles. Thick plastics in bright colors are the preferred frame materials, while vivid prints bring a wilder look. Contrasting clear and colored frames also are a favorite mix. Combining shapes, styles, colors, and materials brings out the wearer's personality.
P.S. White plastic and colored translucents are also favorite looks in women's eyeglass frames.
SEEING SPOTS?
While the protein-rich jelly-like material (vitreous) that fills the eye is clear and transparent in our youth, it accumulates debris as we age. Tiny clumps of cells, slender threads of protein, and tiny knots of vitreous gel float through the otherwise clear vitreous in aging eyes and cast shadows on the retina. Older adults may then see small dots or threads, known as "floaters," passing through their fields of vision. While these shadow-producing pieces of debris are relatively inconsequential, flashes of light and showers of floaters can indicate that the vitreous has shrunk sufficiently to tear the retina or detach a portion of it from the back of the eye. These symptoms should be immediately reported to the ophthalmologist.
Our eyes, like the rest of our bodies, change as we age. Although seeing "floaters" typically does not signal a problem, there are some instances where a retinal detachment may occur. Just as you routinely have your teeth cleaned and blood pressure checked, you should also have your eyes examined. Please call SKOWRON EYE CARE to schedule a routine and comprehensive eye health examination that includes microscopic examination of the retina and screening for vision conditions. At Skowron Eye Care, Our mission is your vision.
P.S. While retinal tears and detachments can be repaired by "laser photocoagulation" or "cryopexy" (freezing), these spot-welding techniques should be performed with 24-48 hours of diagnosis, making retinal detachment a medical emergency.
COVER YOUR EYES!
Anyone who plays racquet sports in particular should know that people playing recreational sports suffer more than 40,000 eye injuries in this country each year. Tennis, racquetball, and squash are the sports that are most frequently associated with sports-related eye injuries among people between the ages of 25 and 65 years. The most unsettling fact is that nearly all of these injuries could be prevented with the use of adequate eye protection. With this in mind, recreational athletes should invest in protective eyewear with 3-millimeter polycarbonate lenses and an impact-resistant sports frame that meets the ASTM F803-01 standard. Those who regularly wear glasses can purchase a prescription pair of sports glasses that also meet these safety standards.
P.S. Sports glasses with tinted lenses may actually improve performance by providing better ball-spotting contrast.
SIGHT FOR SORE EYES
Ocular herpes (sometimes referred to as "cold sore of the eye") is caused by the same virus that causes cold sores (Herpes Simplex Virus 1), not the virus that is sexually transmitted (HSV 2). Infections of this kind typically involve the eyelids, conjunctiva, and cornea and produce symptoms such as pain, redness, tearing, light sensitivity, irritation, scratchiness, decreased vision, and even blindness. Ocular herpes is a common cause of corneal disease and is the leading infectious cause of corneal blindness in developed nations. Thus, it is important to schedule a visit with the ophthalmologist as soon as symptoms appear. Research shows that the use of oral anti-viral medications reduces the risk of recurrence of the infection.
Our mission is your vision. Happy holiday season and New Year!
P.S. Ocular herpes can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person whose virus is active, or through self contact and contamination during an active herpes infection (such as a cold sore of the lip).
DRIVING AMBITION
If you are a driver over the age of 50, you have an obligation to make sure that your vision is equal to the task of driving. To get a driver’s license, every state requires an eye test, most of which require a visual acuity of 20/40 or better in at least one eye and a lateral visual field width of 140-160 degrees. While this standard is reasonable, it may not go far enough. To ensure that they will drive safely, drivers should display sufficient ability to see contrasts, compensate for darkness and bright lights, see colors, and perceive depths. To assess these visual abilities, drivers are urged to undergo annual thorough eye examinations.
P.S. Older drivers should update their lens prescriptions and ask about tints and anti-reflective coatings that can improve their nighttime vision.
HERE’S THE RUB
If you wear soft contact lenses, you should know that recent research suggests that rubbing and rinsing your lenses before soaking them overnight is the best way to rid them of germs and avoid eye infections. This recommendation holds true even if you use a “no-rub” disinfection solution. Moreover, the study pointed out that rubbing and rinsing contacts (in conjunction with soaking) was found to be the most effective cleaning regimen with all multipurpose lens-care solutions used with any type of contact lens. The take-away message here is that it is better to be safe than sorry. Failure to rub contacts prior to soaking is more likely to leave germs adhering to the lenses, where they are less susceptible to disinfection.
P.S. Don’t cut corners when it comes to cleaning contacts and using fresh cleaning solution.
WHEN PARENTS SEE RED
Because children indiscriminately rub their eyes and are in close contact with other children at school and in day care, they are highly susceptible to contracting conjunctivitis, or “pink eye.” This very common infectious eye disease produces inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin transparent membrane that lines the inner surfaces of the eyelid and folds back to cover the front surface of the eyeball. The first symptom of conjunctivitis is eye discomfort, followed by redness, inflammation, and a discharge that crusts over. Treatment varies according to type. While bacterial conjunctivitis responds to prescription antibiotic drops or ointment, viral conjunctivitis will disappear on its own. Either can be soothed with warm compresses applied to closed eyes.
Conjunctivitis caused by some bacteria and viruses can spread easily from child to child. Frequently washing hands is one important step. Treatment options depend on the cause of the condition and may include antibiotics. If you or your child has eye discomfort, please call SKOWRON EYE CARE to schedule a comprehensive eye health exam. We treat conjunctivitis, dry eyes, and eye infections. At Skowron Eye Care, our mission is your vision. Best wishes for a happy, healthy holiday season!
P.S. Allergic conjunctivitis is an allergic response that may clear up when the allergen is removed.
HOW ARE YOUR GLASSES SHAPING UP?
The eyeglass frames that look best on your face are those with shapes that offset your facial shape. For instance, if you have a square face, try an oval or round frame that will soften the jaw line. If you want something edgier, opt for a diamond shape. On the other hand, if you have a round face, go with an angular shape. If your face is long, look for frames with a longer line (from top to bottom). It may also help if the bridge falls lower than the top of the frames. As for those of us who are fortunate enough to have oval faces, this facial type can accommodate virtually any type of frame.
There are many eyewear frames available, so it can be confusing to know which frame is best for you. When you visit SKOWRON EYE CARE, our attentive staff can help you select the frames that are most flattering to your facial construction. And, you’ll be amazed by the variety of temple designs available. We consider the shape of the frame as well as the color and materials. Please call us to schedule an eye health examination. At Skowron Eye Care, our mission is your vision.
P.S. Thin metal eyeglass frames flatter faces by drawing attention away from the sides of the face and directing it to central facial features.
CAN LASER SURGERY CORRECT PRESBYOPIA?
The age-related condition known as “presbyopia” makes it difficult to read fine print without reading glasses. While laser refractive surgery does not prevent presbyopia, the ophthalmologist can correct one eye for distance vision and the other for near vision to produce the “monovision” that contact lenses are often used to create. A pre-surgery “test run” using contacts to simulate monovision correction may help patients assess how well their brains adjust to the discrepancy between eye corrections, facilitating seamless switching between seeing clearly close up and far away. However, the larger the difference between corrections, the more depth perception may diminish. If so, “mini-monovision” with correction of one eye for distance and one eye for intermediate vision may be best.
P.S. Although not yet approved by the FDA, variable-focus lenses used to replace the natural lenses of middle-aged and older adults with cataracts provide another option for overcoming presbyopia.
ARE YOU COMFORTABLE WITH YOUR GLASSES?
Eighty-eight percent of those responding to a Vision Council of America survey indicated that comfort was the most important factor when choosing eyeglass frames. Eyeglasses should fit securely on the bridge of the nose, without causing those painful red marks. In fact, they should not press against the face at any point and should stay in place when the wearer moves his or her head or even bends over to touch his or her toes. Glasses that fit properly also ensure accurate vision correction. With this in mind, a proper fitting involves careful measurement of the wearer’s features and a match with standard eyeglass frame sizes as represented by three fitting numbers on the side of the frame.
P.S. The three fitting numbers stamped onto the inside of the eyeglass frames represent eye size, bridge size, and temple length, respectively (in millimeters).
